2021 Ford Edge Review: Reasonably Dependable Midsize SUV With Some Higher Ownership Costs

Alex Showalter
Jan 29, 2024

The 2021 Ford Edge lasts around 250,000 miles, with some average transmission and stereo system issues reported. At $25,100 to $34,998, it’s a great value for a midsize SUV that’s loaded with some of the latest technology.

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likeFilled The Good
The engines offer great performance, there’s a lot of passenger room and great standard safety technology.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The visibility is limited with the large pillars, there are cheap plastic buttons on the dash and the suspension is very firm.

Is the 2021 Ford Edge a Good Used SUV?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Ford Edge since it features a comfortable interior and some advanced technology features. Owner reviews praise the strong engines, responsive steering, along with the reasonable ownership costs.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are good for a midsize SUV, the seats offer good support on longer trips, and cargo space is average for its size.
  • Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2021 Ford Edge. Avoid models from 20152016 which have engine issues, while newer models from 20172022 are more dependable.
  • Performance 8/10 – The base engine is reasonably strong, while the ST model is a very quick SUV for its price.
  • Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Edge is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive headlights along with adaptive cruise control.
  • Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is fine at up to 24 MPG, offering 444 miles of range out of the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $3 higher than average at $199 per month.
  • Value 7/10 – The 2021 Ford Edge is less expensive than many competitors, but rapid depreciation lowers its overall value score.

What Do Critics Say About the Ford Edge?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2021 Ford Edge offers improved safety features with a practical cabin, and it also earns high owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds rates the Ford Edge at 4/5, enjoying the quiet cabin at highway speeds, but doesn’t like the slow transmission.
  • Kelley Blue Book users give the Edge a 4.3/5, praising the strong engine choices available, but owners don’t like the poor off-road capabilities.

What Common Problems Does the 2021 Ford Edge Have?

Common problems found on the 2021 Ford Edge include delayed gear changes, stereo system issues, along with some damaged front bumpers. Overall, these problems are similar to other medize SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as a Ford Edge ages.

Delayed gear changes are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Edge owners, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by the transmission control module’s software. There are new versions of the software available. Most dealerships will install those updates for free during normal servicing, while some charge around $100.

Stereo system issues have also been reported by some Ford Edge owners at around 1,000 miles. The SYNC stereo system freezes up, and has to be restarted to work again. There are some software updates available for the stereo, which improves its reliability. Updating the software is usually done over the air for free, but if you need to do it at a dealership, they sometimes charge around $50.

Damaged front bumpers are another problem mentioned by Edge owners in the first 5,000 miles. The edges of the bumper are prone to stone chips. Some owners touch-up the bumper for under $100, while others have repainted the bumper for around $1,000.

There are three recalls on the 2021 Ford Edge, which is similar to other midsize SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers the rear drive unit, which has inadequate lubrication. Ford will check the drive units on affected models and replace them if they have been damaged.

How Long Will the 2021 Ford Edge Last?

A well-maintained 2021 Ford Edge can last around 250,000 miles, which is a bit shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $581 per year.

As a used 2021 Edge reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the PCV valve for $125, throttle body costing $350, along with the A/C condenser for $800.

How Is the Technology?

The standard entertainment technology is very good and includes a 12-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Standard safety features are excellent, and include:

  • Rearview camera
  • Forward collision warning
  • Forward automatic emergency braking
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane-keep assist
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Lane-departure warning
  • Automatic high-beam headlights

Optional driver assistance features are available, such as:

  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Hands-free park assist
  • Adaptive headlights
  • Front parking sensors
  • Forward-facing camera

Is the 2021 Ford Edge a Good Value?

Yes, the 2021 Ford Edge is a good value since it offers decent practicality while having reasonably good reliability ratings. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,100 to $34,998, making it less than a Subaru Ascent or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $32,750 to $43,600. Depreciation is worse than some competitors, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Ford Edge?

There are five main models of the 2021 Ford Edge offered from the entry-level SE through to the sportier ST. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.

Ford Edge SE is the entry-level model with:

  • Base model
  • 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • Eight-speed automatic transmission
  • Front-wheel drive (All-wheel drive available)
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Manually adjustable front seats
  • 12-inch touch screen
  • Six-speaker stereo
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa
  • Bluetooth, four USB ports
  • Wi-Fi hot spot, satellite radio
  • Remote keyless entry, push-button start
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • LED headlights
  • Ford Co-Pilot360: rearview camera, rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights

Ford Edge SEL is a step up, adding:

  • Synthetic leather upholstery
  • Heated and power-adjustable front seats
  • Fog lights
  • Optional navigation, wireless device charging
  • Optional heated steering wheel, hands-free power liftgate
  • Available remote start, panoramic sunroof
  • Optional adaptive cruise control
  • Optional Class II towing package

Ford Edge ST-Line has some minor changes with:

  • Restyled front and rear bumpers
  • Red interior accents
  • Wireless device charging
  • Remote start
  • Hands-free power liftgate

Ford Edge Titanium offers more luxury with:

  • Includes SEL features
  • Genuine leather upholstery
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo
  • Wireless device charging, remote start
  • Hands-free power liftgate
  • Front parking sensors
  • Optional ventilated front seats, heated rear seats
  • Available hands-free park assist
  • Optional forward-facing camera, adaptive headlights

Ford Edge ST is the flagship model with:

  • Range-topping trim
  • 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine
  • Seven-speed automatic transmission
  • All-wheel drive
  • Genuine leather upholstery
  • 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo
  • Class II tow package
  • Includes ST-Line’s features

What Engines Come In the Ford Edge?

  • The 2021 Ford Edge offers two engine choices, each with its own set of performance characteristics. The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost, which delivers a solid 250 horsepower. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and achieves a combined fuel economy of approximately 24 MPG. It can also accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in about 7.6 seconds, providing a balance of efficiency and responsiveness.
  • For those seeking more power, the Edge ST model includes a robust 2.7-liter V6 EcoBoost engine. This engine ramps up the performance with 335 horsepower, making it notably more potent. The ST’s engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and offers a combined fuel economy of around 21 MPG. In terms of acceleration, the Edge ST can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in just about 5.9 seconds, offering a more exhilarating driving experience for performance enthusiasts.

What Colors Does the Ford Edge Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Ford Edge?

The 2021 Ford Edge stands out in its class for its impressive comfort levels, designed to enhance the driving and passenger experience alike. Inside the cabin, the Edge showcases a well-thought-out design that prioritizes comfort, with spacious seating arrangements and high-quality materials throughout. The front seats, particularly noteworthy for their supportive design, offer ample head and legroom, catering comfortably to drivers and passengers of all sizes. This is complemented by adjustable settings, including lumbar support, providing a comfortable position even on longer journeys. The rear seats are equally accommodating, providing a relaxing space for passengers, with enough legroom to stretch out and relax, making the Edge an excellent choice for family trips or carpooling.

In addition to its spacious seating, the 2021 Edge excels in providing a smooth and quiet ride. The vehicle’s suspension is tuned to effectively absorb road imperfections, ensuring a serene driving experience even on uneven terrains. This, combined with the Edge’s well-insulated cabin, minimizes road and wind noise, contributing to a peaceful environment inside the vehicle. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on highways, passengers can enjoy conversations or music without the intrusion of external noise.

Moreover, the Edge’s interior features, such as climate control and a high-quality infotainment system, further elevate the comfort levels. The climate control system provides a pleasant temperature throughout the cabin regardless of the weather outside, while the user-friendly infotainment system provides easy access to navigation, music, and connectivity features. These aspects, along with ample storage compartments and cup holders, add to the convenience and overall enjoyment of the driving experience. In summary, the 2021 Ford Edge, with its focus on spacious and quiet interiors, supportive seating, and ride quality, offers a genuinely comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for both drivers and passengers.

How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Edge Have?

The 2021 Ford Edge is well-regarded for its generous storage space, offering practicality and convenience for both everyday use and longer journeys. At the heart of its cargo capacity is a spacious trunk that provides an impressive 39.2 cubic feet of room when the rear seats are in use. This area is more than enough for everyday needs such as grocery shopping, transporting sports equipment, or handling luggage for weekend trips. The space can comfortably accommodate items like a couple of large suitcases, several backpacks, or a full-size stroller, making it ideal for families or individuals with an active lifestyle.

By folding down the rear seats, the storage space nearly doubles, offering up to 73.4 cubic feet of room. This expanded area becomes particularly useful for larger loads, such as moving boxes, a bicycle, or bulkier sporting equipment. The vehicle’s design also allows for easy loading and unloading, thanks to its wide opening and relatively low load floor.

Apart from the main cargo area, the 2021 Ford Edge is equipped with several small yet practical interior storage solutions. These include a variety of compartments and pockets, such as door bins, a glovebox, and a center console. These spaces are ideal for keeping smaller items secure and within easy reach, such as smartphones, wallets, or water bottles. Additionally, the Edge features cupholders and a small storage area under the armrest, further adding to its convenience and practicality. These thoughtful interior storage designs enhance the overall functionality of the Edge, making it a versatile choice for both daily commutes and adventurous outings.

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What Are the Differences Between Years?

The second generation of the Ford Edge was launched for the 2015 model year.

2015: Fully redesigned for the second generation with new technology, engines, and styling.

2016: Keyless entry and a SYNC 3 stereo system have been added to all models.

2017: Has the same features as earlier years.

2018: No major changes since 2016.

2019: Small exterior styling changes, more safety features offered, and an updated eight-speed automatic transmission.

2020: ST-Line model added to the lineup, and dual-zone climate control is now standard.

2021: Updated 12-inch touchscreen, standard SYNC 4 stereo, and a seven-speed transmission is offered on the ST model.

How Does the Ford Edge Compare to the Competition?

The 2021 Ford Edge is a nice midsize SUV, offering plenty of technology features and a nice cabin, although some of the ownership costs are higher than the competition.

The Subaru Outback is another SUV which is available in the same price range. Off-road and snow performance is better in the Subaru Outback with its standard all-wheel drive system, while the Ford Edge offers more passenger room. We recommend the Ford Edge since it’s more practical, but both are good choices worth testing.

The Toyota Highlander is a popular midsize SUV which costs about $3,000 more. Ownership costs are lower on the Toyota Highlander, while the Ford Edge offers more cargo room. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it’s one of the most reliable midsize SUVs on the market.

Do Owners Recommend the Ford Edge?

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avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.